"Modi is widely considered to be one of the front-runners as prime ministerial candidate of his Bharatiya Janata Party. If Narendra Modi were to become Prime Minister of India, he would automatically be eligible for an A-1 (diplomatic) visa as head of state, regardless of the purpose of his visit," the Congressional Research Service (CRS) said in its communication to US lawmakers.

In 2005, the US had denied visa to Modi in the wake of the 2002 Gujarat riots and has since not revoked its decision.

The seven-page report 'Visa Policy: the case of Narendra Modi' was prepared by the CRS - an independent and bipartisan wing of the US Congress - at the request of several lawmakers, most who have been opposed to a US visa to Modi.

The views and reports of the CRS are meant to keep the lawmakers informed and is non-binding either on the Congress or the US Government.

Led Congressmen Republican Joe Pitts and Democrat Keith Ellison lawmaker had asked a set of five questions on the prospects of US granting a visa to Modi if he is elected as the Prime Minister of India.

The lawmakers had asked 'What is the process for approval of a US visa if Modi were to apply for one?' and 'Were Modi elected Prime Minister of India, how would his ascension likely affect his prospects to receive a US visa? Would the US be required to grant him a diplomatic visa? How might the International Religious Freedom Act be interpreted should he apply for a visa?'

The report dated March 18 was made public on March 31.

It also refers to the recent cases in which Modi was given a clean chit by the courts and investigative agencies.

In December 2010, a Special Investigative Team appointed by the Supreme Court of India had found "no substantial incriminating evidence" that Chief Minister Modi had let the rioters rampage against the Muslims in February 2002, it said.

"On the other hand, the Gujarat High Court continues to criticize Chief Minister Modi for his 'inaction and negligence' during the violence," the report said.

The report said Modi as the Prime Minister would enjoy diplomatic immunity.

However, it is only US President Barack Obama who can exercise his authority to deny a visa to Modi as the Prime Minister of India if he deems that would be detrimental to the American interest.

In August 2011, Obama had issued a proclamation in this regard pertaining to foreign nationals involved in war crime or systematic violence systematic against civilian populations.

Meanwhile, a latest Pew Survey on Monday said an overwhelming majority of Indians across political spectrum are supportive of having a new leadership in New Delhi.

"More than twice as many Indians are dissatisfied as satisfied with the way things are going in the country (70 per cent vs 29 per cent), and this discontent is shared across the political spectrum," the Pew Research said after releasing the contents of its latest survey, which was conducted between December 7, 2013, and January 12, 2014.

"They want new party and personal leadership at the national level," it said.

Nearly 64 per cent expect the nation's children to be better off as adults than people are today, the report said.

There is pervasive, intense concern about a range of current economic troubles, it noted.

Overwhelming majorities say inflation (89 per cent), joblessness (85 per cent) and inequality (82 per cent) are very big problems for the country.

According to the report, only about four-in-ten Indians retain a lot of confidence in either the national government or the Lok Sabha.

The US is the most popular country among Indians, and continue to see Pakistan as its biggest threat. Meanwhile, Indians are roughly divided in their attitude toward China (35 per cent favorable vs 41 per cent unfavorable).